Communities and Local Government

Community Relations: Islam

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what meetings Ministers in her Department have had with groups of British Muslims on the possible effects of events in Gaza since 27 December 2008 on community cohesion; and what the names were of the individuals who attended each meeting.

Students at Oxford University, one of the highest ranking, and most prestigious educational establishments in the world, have begun a sit-in protest, to highlight the brutality of the occupation of Palestine, as exemplified by the recent, ferocious attack on Gaza.

What is it?
When was it written?
Where can I find a copy?
And most importantly – who is it enforced by?

Because according to several commentators, Israel has repeatedly broken “international law” and is guilty of committing war crimes – and not just with its recent acts of depravity in Gaza – but since its inception.

During that particular rally, the organizers announced over the loud speakers that an even bigger march was planned for the following week; this time starting in Hyde Park, and ending at the Israeli Embassy in High Street Kensington.

Many would agree that death is a greater problem for the living, than for those who have actually passed on. Muslims find solace in the prayer that their loved ones are at peace, in a “better place”, no longer suffering. This is especially true for those who died in a state of innocence, such as children, and the oppressed.

However, we, the owners of hearts that still beat, are left to grieve, to feel the pain that resides deep in our cores; a wound that opens every time we realize the absence of the ones whom we loved.